Putin Triumphs Again: Landslide Victory in Russian Presidential Election

The election follows over two years of conflict that have inflicted significant tolls on the Russian people.

President Vladimir Putin achieved an unprecedented victory in Russia’s post-Soviet history, garnering a remarkable 87.8% of the vote, as indicated by an exit poll conducted by the Public Opinion Foundation (FOM), marking the highest ever result. Additionally, the Russian Public Opinion Research Centre (VCIOM) corroborated Putin’s strong lead with an 87% rating.

This resounding triumph sends a clear message to the West: Russia, under Putin’s leadership, asserts itself as a potent force, wielding significant influence in global affairs for the foreseeable future, whether in times of cooperation or conflict.

At 71 years old, Putin’s anticipated reelection positions him to surpass Josef Stalin’s tenure and become Russia’s longest-serving leader in over two centuries, reflecting his enduring dominance in Russian politics. In the electoral race, Communist candidate Nikolai Kharitonov secured second place with just under 4%, while newcomer Vladislav Davankov and ultra-nationalist Leonid Slutsky followed in third and fourth positions respectively.

During his victory speech, Putin assured his supporters of his dedication to tackling the challenges associated with what he termed Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine. He pledged to prioritize resolving these issues while also outlining plans to strengthen the Russian military, underscoring his commitment to safeguarding Russia’s interests and asserting its power on the global stage.

The election follows over two years of conflict that have inflicted significant tolls on the Russian people. Although the Kremlin conceals its casualty figures, Western officials estimate that over 300,000 Russian soldiers have been either killed or wounded in the Ukrainian war.

Putin’s Rise in Post-Soviet Russia

In 1990, Vladimir Putin retired from his military service as a Lieutenant Colonel, a momentous event preceding the collapse of the Soviet Union. Transitioning into post-Soviet Russia, he ventured into politics in St. Petersburg, the former Tsarist capital. By 1994, he rose to become the city’s inaugural Deputy Mayor, displaying early signs of political astuteness.

Putin later relocated to Moscow, the hub of Russian politics, assuming administrative roles within the Kremlin. However, it was his appointment in 1998 as the director of the Federal Security Service (FSB), the successor to the KGB, by President Boris Yeltsin that propelled him onto the global stage.

During this turbulent period, Russia faced significant challenges: a faltering economy, escalating tensions with NATO over Eastern European expansion, and a brutal separatist conflict in Chechnya. Yeltsin, recognizing Putin’s abilities, appointed him Prime Minister in 1999, solidifying the perception of him as a capable successor.

As Yeltsin’s health declined and his grip on power weakened, Putin assumed the role of acting President. His subsequent victory in the 2000 presidential elections marked the onset of his first term, ushering in an era characterized by his assertive leadership and shaping Russia’s domestic and foreign policies.

Putin’s Consolidation of Power and Global Challenges

Over time, Mr. Putin has consolidated his grip on the Russian government. After his presidency ended in 2008 due to term limits, he served as Prime Minister under President Dmitry Medvedev before reclaiming the presidency in 2012. He subsequently amended the Constitution to enable his return to presidential elections. Despite opposition figures like Alexei Navalny and Boris Nemtsov, who faced assassination and murder, respectively, Kremlin-tolerated opposition parties like the Communist Party present no substantial threat to Putin’s authority.

Engaged in more than just a military confrontation with the West, he’s also embroiled in a cultural clash among “civilizations.” He’s not merely a President but the embodiment of “mother Russia,” representing a blend of populism, civilizational nationalism, cultural heritage, and militarism that resonates with the Russian populace. Despite criticism, his approval remains high, as evidenced by Levada Centre’s February 2024 data, which showed an 86% approval rating and consistent popularity exceeding 59% throughout his presidency.

As Mr. Putin begins another term, his strategy of domestic dominance and global counterbalance faces challenges, notably the prolonged Ukraine conflict, now in its third year. While Russia gains battlefield momentum, it suffers significant losses, including casualties and economic impacts from Western sanctions, leading to strained European relations and a shift towards Asia. Additionally, NATO’s expansion near Russia’s borders continues unabated.